Victaulic, a manufacturer of mechanical pipe-joining systems, announced Rick Bucher has been appointed to the position of President and COO, effective immediately. Bucher will continue reporting to John F. Malloy who has served as chairman, president and CEO for the past 16 years. Malloy will remain chairman and CEO.

“Rick has demonstrated over a long tenure with Victaulic, the intellectual leadership and emotional skills to be Victaulic president," Malloy said. "Innovation has driven Victaulic for 100 years. We like to think about Victaulic celebrating another centennial 100 years from now. If we are able to realize this vision, innovation will surely be a key reason. As president, Rick has the skills to lead Victaulic in this next chapter."

Bucher began his career with Victaulic in 2009 as vice president of product development, and rose to the position of executive vice president of technology and product development. In June 2019, Bucher was named COO. During his 11-year career at Victaulic, Bucher has led the design and development efforts of numerous construction industry innovations currently in use worldwide.

“Victaulic’s success has been a result of customer collaboration,” said Bucher. “Working closely with our customers across the construction industry, Victaulic has responded to their needs through innovation and world-class support. Look inside many of the world’s most challenging projects — from the tallest towers to the deepest mines as well as today’s essential medical and infrastructure construction — Victaulic has been delivering innovative solutions for a demanding world. We look forward to serving our customers for many years to come.”

Bucher joined Victaulic after spending 14 years at W.L. Gore, where he worked in industrial and medical sectors. Bucher holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in material science and engineering from Rice University and a doctorate in composite materials from Virginia Tech. A materials science engineer by training and an inventor by nature, Bucher holds 21 patents and patent applications.